Tuesday, June 15, 2010

The Big Day -- Adam and Leane's Wedding

On Saturday, May 29th, we all woke up to a BEAUTIFUL day. The sun was shining, the sky was blue and it was going to be 75 degrees - a perfect day for a wedding on a lake!

After lunch, my dad, Adam, Eric and I drove up to Wasilla to pick up the chairs for the wedding. We didn't think we'd be able to get 70 chairs in my dad's truck, but it was a piece of cake!

We then headed to Lake Lucille to unload and set up the chairs.Leane wanted tiki torches at the beginning of the aisle, and since she's the bride that's exactly what she got!
After Holly and I decorated the back row of chairs with gauze and bows, we headed up to Leane's hotel room to get our hair done. Leane went last....
Here's Holly and Pax looking on:
He is SO adorable. I'm jealous my brother already has a nephew... maybe Pax can be my honorary nephew, too.
Putting on the veil...
NOW she looks like a bride!
Right as I was putting on my dress, my mom called to ask if I could come downstairs for some family pictures.

On my way down, I passed this friendly, welcoming bear....
.... and the lovely lake....
... to take some pictures!

Grandma with her two grandsons:
Shortly after, it was time to get the wedding started! Although the ceremony started at 7:30, the sun was still high in the sky and it was uncharacteristically and fantastically warm! (Unfortunately I don't have many pictures of the ceremony/reception because I figured the photographer had it covered.)

The bridesmaids made their way down the stairs...
And Leane looked beautiful walking down the aisle with her dad!
Here we are as Leane was coming down the stairs. All I could hear was the sniffling on either side of me... which didn't help me in my efforts to stay cool and not cry!
Tara straightening out Leane's dress...
YAY, they're married!After taking more family and wedding party photos, we all went in to the ballroom for the reception. Here's the first dance:
My Uncle Jim and Aunt Suki came in from Denver... Colorado was well represented!
Father/Daughter dance (Tara cried through the entire thing, and I have to admit I got a little teary!):Watching them feed each other cake was hilarious because Leane did NOT want to get chocolate on her dress -- not that I can blame her. And the cake was delicious!
Those Ganser sisters can get DOWN with their bouquet microphones!
Poppy-Parting-Gifts:
It wouldn't be a wedding without decorating the car. I think everyone did a fantastic job!
Since lots of cans were needed, I did my part by drinking a Busch Light.
By 11:30, the party was dwindling, and it was time to get these newlyweds on the road!
The next day, Adam and Leane hosted a brunch at their house before heading off on their honeymoon to Mexico.
They did a great job on the food!
Since I was going home soon and hadn't had a chance to go on the trail behind our house, my dad and I took a walk. Every time I go back there, I remember the summer before my senior year when I would run every morning to get in shape for the dance team. I would take our Doberman and Adam would sometimes roller blade beside me. MAN, I wish I was still 17! Oh well. Congratulations Adam and Leane! May your lives be like this path -- sunny and beautiful! (Ha, REALLY cheesy... sorry... I was trying to figure out how to get back on track and tie these pictures into the whole wedding post. Well. Whatever. Although cheesy, the sentiment is heartfelt!) Congratulations again!

Rehearsal Dinner

On Friday, May 28th, my entire family with the exception of my aunt (Tiffany) and my cousin (Chelsea) gathered at my parent's house. My dad's family is from Dallas and my mom's family is from Colorado, so it's rare that we're all in the same place at the same time!

Here are my parents, my Dallas grandma, and my cousin Eric:
Along with my Colorado grandma and Adam:
That afternoon was the wedding rehearsal, so Adam and I headed to Lake Lucille in Wasilla...
I loved my shoes. :)
When we arrived at the wedding location, I couldn't believe how beautiful it was!
Here's everyone waiting for their cue to walk down the stairs...I suggested the boys go down in a "Flying V" a la the Mighty Ducks, but it was tough to keep formation on the stairs.
Amanda led us girls down, followed by Holly, me, and then Tara.
The long walk down the aisle...
And here we are in formation:
I knew I was going to have a tough time keeping it together during the REAL wedding when I started tearing up during Leane's walk down the stairs. I looked over at Tara who was also tearing up when she said, "I really thought I wouldn't cry tomorrow, but now I know I will!!" My thoughts exactly, Tara!
The exchanging of the fake rings...
After running through the wedding a few times, we all headed to Anchorage for the rehearsal dinner.
The dinner was held at a hotel overlooking Lake Hood -- it's a really cool spot because planes are always taking off and landing from the lake.
When we arrived, my family was already there and waiting for us...
My parents had done a great job decorating the tables!
Once Leane's family arrived, we headed straight for the buffet.
After we finished eating and exchanging presents, I ventured through the hotel and ran into a few bears.I love how EVERYWHERE you go has a stuffed bear.
After taking this picture, I think I have a future working at Olan Mills. Or maybe I just had super attractive subjects.
We'd made it through the Rehearsal Dinner, and were all ready for the wedding day!